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Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce

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Back home in Panama City there is this little pizza shop, owned by a Greek family, called Athens Pizza. OMG, their stuff is amazing, anything you order is drool-worthy. The menu is definitely Mediterranean, and everything is fresh as fresh can be. According to my gourmet nephew, this place has “the best tzatziki outside of Greece.” He’s right! Their sauce is outstanding, and very authentic.

a plate of cucumbers and a bowl of tzatziki

What is tzatziki sauce?

The word tzatziki is a derivative of the Turkish word caciq, which in turn is related to other words in some Western Asian languages. A similar food is popular in many Balkan countries where it is served as a mezze, or as a side dish. Also, depending on the country, different herbs are used.

a plate of chopped vegetables with a bowl of tzatziki and a carrot dipping in

Simply delicious and fresh

Basically, plain yogurt, seedless cucumber, garlic, salt and pepper. I personally like to drizzle olive oil on top and sprinkle some fresh dill. Someone told me that dill is not 100% authentic. No worries, cooking is about innovation and taste.

And while we’re on the subject of innovation, let me make another suggestion: mint. Yup, I’ve used mint in my homemade tzatziki sauce mainly because I have an overabundance of it in my back yard. One of the reasons I grow mint is to make mint juleps; I just felt the need to confess.

A top down view of a plate of vegetables with a bowl of tzatziki

Oh so versatile

You can use an authentic Greek tzatziki sauce as a dip, for carrots and veggies, or to go with grilled meats, think kebabs or grilled lamb. YUM!

If you were worried about how to make tzatziki sauce, this recipe is pretty easy. The only word of warning here is that you need to make sure that the cucumber is very dry when you mix it in with the tzatziki. Why? well, cucumber has a high water content which can make your dip watery, and that is the last thing you want.

Oh, and the garlic. As far as this ingredient is concerned, I am leaving it totally up to you. I have a friend who LOVES garlic, as in there are no evil spirits in her house LOVE. I have a more temperate relationship with garlic, so I use it with caution.

a plate of cucumbers with a bowl of tzatziki with a fork and spoon on the right

In the meantime, why don’t you make some? Let me know how you like it, and also if you added any extra ingredients.

Making some gyros? One sauce you need to make for a tasty spicy dip: Tzatziki. This has a nice smooth, creamy, garlic flavor to add to many dishes like grilled meats like kebabs or lamb chops, salads and veggie trays to name a few. Authentic Greek Tzatziki uses a smooth Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill and some olive oil. | ethnicspoon.com
5 from 6 votes
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Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce

A delicious and healthy Greek sauce to complement any of your grilled needs or veggies. Made with yogurt, garlic and cucumber. 

Course Dressing
Cuisine Greek
Keyword appertizer, cucumber, dip, garlic, gyro, mint, sauce, yogurt
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: Change to adjust-> 6 servings
Calories 56 kcal
Author Analida Braeger

Ingredients

  • 2 cups yogurt Greek, plain
  • 1/2 cucumber seedless, peeled and grated fine
  • 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper cracked
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 Tbsp dill fresh, chopped
  • 1 dash nutmeg

Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

    mint for garnish - optional

      Instructions

      1. Place the grated cucumber in a strainer and gently squeeze down to remove any excess water.
      2. In a bowl place the Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, and garlic, then stir to combine.
      3. Add in the strained cucumber, then stir in the dill, and the nutmeg. Drizzle with olive oil, and top with chopped mint if desired.
      Nutrition Facts
      Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce
      Amount Per Serving
      Calories 56 Calories from Fat 18
      % Daily Value*
      Fat 2g3%
      Saturated Fat 1g6%
      Cholesterol 10mg3%
      Sodium 135mg6%
      Potassium 166mg5%
      Carbohydrates 4g1%
      Sugar 4g4%
      Protein 3g6%
      Vitamin A 100IU2%
      Vitamin C 1.7mg2%
      Calcium 105mg11%
      Iron 0.1mg1%
      * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

       

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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      3. Billy

        This looks so delicious. Love Tzatziki sauce but have never made it at home. Definitely love all the dill-filled sauces like this one. Thanks for sharing, can’t wait to make it!

        Reply

      10. Sharon

        Tzatziki sauce is so good I could eat it on almost everything. This is a great and simple recipe so I could easily make it at home. Delicious!

        Reply

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